ABSTRACT
The Spratly dispute revealed that China and Southeast Asia disagree whether international diplomacy is to be conducted on the premise of independence or cooperation. China has tended to avoid becoming entangled in organizational networks involving long-term obligations, while Southeast Asia embraces a consultative practice based on intra-ASEAN solidarity in cases of severe external security threats. These different traditions that inform their policies on diplomacy also constitute a barrier to peace and stability in the South China Sea.
